. Wakefield Smith.

The distance to the address furnished by Nellie Ardell was nearly a dozen
blocks, but Jerry was used to walking and made the journey on foot.

The young oarsman found Alexander Slocum's set of offices located on the
top floor of an old-fashioned four-story office building. There was an
elevator, however, and this Jerry used and soon found himself in front of
a ground-glass door, which bore the sign:

Alexander Slocum,
Real Estate and Fire Insurance.
Loans Negotiated.

There was a hum of voices from within, but the hum ceased as Jerry
knocked.

"Come in," was the short invitation, and the boy entered, to find a large
apartment, comfortably furnished with desks, stuffed chairs and other
things which went to show that the man he had come to interview was doing
well.

Near an open window sat two gentlemen dressed in black. One was much older
than the other, and Jerry rightfully guessed that he was an office
assistant.

The other man was well preserved, with a waxed mustache and piercing black
eyes. He held a silk hat in his hand, as if he had been on the point of
leaving.

"Well, young man, what can I do for you?" questioned the office assistant,
as he regarded Jerry indifferently.

"I came to see Mr. Alexander Slocum," replied our hero.

"I am Mr. Slocum," put in the other man. "What is it you want?"

"I came to see you on a bit of private business, sir."

"Yes. Well, Mr. Casey here knows all about my affairs; so you need have no
hesitation in speaking in front of him," laughed the real estate man
somewhat harshly.

"I am Jerry Upton, and I came from Lakeview. My uncle, Charles Upton, who
is now dead, was once interested in a colonization land scheme that you
started."

Jerry watch Mr. Slocum narrowly as he spoke, and saw that the man was
greatly astonished. He started back, and for an instant the assuring look
his face wore faded.

"Jerry Upton from Lakeview," he murmured slowly. Then he cleared his
throat. "I--I did not expect to see you."

"I suppose not, sir."

"What is it you want?"

"I want to find out how matters stand in regard to the land in California.
My father heard you had gone to Europe."

"I did go to Europe, but not to escape inquiry," added Slocum, hastily.
"You see, that scheme failed utterly," he went on slowly. "Why, I lost
nearly every dollar I possessed in it. What your uncle lost